No federal water for Central Calif. farmers this summer

Friday

Feb 21, 2014 at 3:46 PM

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced Friday morning that farmers in the Central Valley will receive no federal water this summer.

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement regarding the announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation that the Central Valley Project and Friant Division contractors will receive zero percent water allocation:

“Today’s announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation that the Central Valley Project and Friant Division contractors will receive zero percent water allocation is the latest manifestation of the dismal water situation California is facing. Without an improved forecast, Central Valley families and farmers will continue to feel the devastation of the current drought that has been exacerbated by failed water policies. The House of Representatives has acted to change current law and regulations so Central and Southern California communities receive the water they contract and pay for in non-drought years and to help them prepare for future droughts by storing more water. Unfortunately, the Senate has yet to schedule a vote on the House-passed bill or the legislation proposed by California’s senators. And while the President chose to make a pit stop in the Central Valley while he was in California last week, the issue must not fade from Washington’s agenda. The Senate must act on water legislation so we can work toward a long-term, comprehensive solution. Californians should expect nothing less.”